TN: Massive fire in Chennai apartment, four charred to death; CM Palaniswami announces compensation

Pic courtesy: ANI

Chennai: Four persons, including two children, died while five persons were injured after a fire broke out at an apartment complex in the busy Vadapalani locality early today.

As many as 21 two-wheelers parked in the complex were gutted in the fire.

Finance Minister D Jayakumar visited the accident site and described the deaths as "unfortunate."

He said the victims died of suffocation following the fire, but did not specify the cause of the fire, saying police officials were probing the matter.

"Anyone found violating (building rules) will face action," he said when asked about allegations in this regard.

The government had provided alternative accommodation to survivors of the mishap, he said, adding, he would take up with Chief Minister K Palaniswami the issue of providing relief for the victims' families.

Chennai Collector V Anbuselvan said a probe was underway into the incident and that it would cover various aspects, including the cause of the fire.

The deceased included a boy, girl and two women.

Earlier, police said a suspected short circuit near the parking lot could have caused the fire.

Dean of Government Kilpauk Medical College, where the victims are undergoing treatment, Vasanthamani, said those admitted suffered burn injuries ranging between 29 and 54 per cent. They also had lung injuries, she said.

The best possible medical care was being provided to them, she added.

Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan said a "full team of doctors" was attending to the injured persons.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister K Palaniswami announced a relief of Rs one lakh each to the families of four persons killed in a fire mishap here as he condoled the deaths and expressed sympathies with their families.

"I have directed that a sum of Rs one lakh be paid from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund for each of the families of the persons killed" in the mishap, he said in a statement.

He also directed that a sum of Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 be provided to those who had suffered serious and minor injuries, respectively.